Our visit to the Hong Kong home of British artist KATE PADGET-KOH takes us down a quiet residential road near Silverstrand Beach in Clear Water Bay, where she lives in a split-level villa with her husband John … and an impressive brood of pets!
There are four rescue dogs – a 12-year-old Shih Tzu called Lotus, two Shih Tzu mixes, Teddy and Max (both 7), and four-year-old Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – plus two cats, Monty the white tabby, and Poppy. “The cats are both eight months old and were born next door to our house – left for us by the local stray!” says Kate.
The split-level villa offers stunning sunrise views of Clearwater Bay from its roof. Inside, the home is set up for entertaining, with a vintage drinks trolley and a striking open-plan kitchen-dining area. Kate’s art is displayed on every wall too – it’s bright, cheerful and welcoming, matching her personality.
What’s the location like? Is it a nice area to live?
This house is in the perfect location – it’s next to Silverstrand Beach, five minutes from the MTR and very quiet.
What are some of the key features or quirks of the home?
Our pets are one of the key features of our home! They’re adorable. We also have a beautiful green slope behind the house, with huge palms.
Is feng shui an important consideration for you?
We have a friend who gives us advice, and we follow her directions. I have also used The Happy Space Company to help keep the place fresh and uncluttered. Is there a spot in the home that you enjoy the most? Apart from my studio, my favourite place is the dining room/kitchen area. It’s stunning and a very warm, communal space, great for entertaining.
Do you create your art at your home? If so, what’s your studio space like?
Yes, I have a beautiful studio on the top floor, which looks out over the green vegetation at the back of the house. It’s such a vibrant yet calm space. My dogs and cats love to come here, as it’s such a loving place to hang out.
Could you tell us about a couple of items in the home that have an interesting background or story behind them?
We have a beautiful vintage dining table that we bought in Singapore and above it is an iconic crystal chandelier from Sweden – it’s amazing; I hand-carried it from London. My art is everywhere in the house; it makes the place so lively and unique. We also have a beautiful custom-made glass vitrine that John designed and which houses all of our lovely glasses.
What are a few things you like to do in Hong Kong when you’re not working?
I love to run and work out, especially in this area. I also like to walk the dogs in Clear Water Bay Country Park, and visit Soho House with friends.
Kate’s Recommendations
Home
Marimekko | marimekko.hk
Tom Dixon | tomdixononline.hk
Restaurants
Soho House | sohohouse.com/houses/soho-house-hong-kong
8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana | otto.laisun.com/hong-kong/en
181 Hong Kong | fortnumandmason.com/181-hong-kong
Café Causette (“for tea and scones”) | mandarinoriental.com/en/hong-kong/victoria-harbour/dine/cafe-causette
Gaia | gaiagroup.com.hk/restaurant/gaia-ristorante
Clothes
Lane Crawford | lanecrawford.com.hk
Net-a-Porter | net-a-porter.com
Services
iLiving | ilivinghk.com
All About You (“wellness services are critical to me”) | allaboutyoucentre.com
The Happy Space Company (“for organisation services”) | thehappyspaceco.com
BeCandle | becandle.com.hk
The Scentist Hong Kong | thescentisthk.com
This article first appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
